Newcastle United are said to be ramping up interest in one of their major summer targets, after making a second bid of £12 million for Marseille star Florian Thauvin, according to the Mirror.

Alongside the Magpies' chase of Charlie Austin, Newcastle's pursuit of Thauvin has been going on for months, and it looks like it is no closer to being resolved after the Ligue 1 side were said to have turned down this latest offer.

The Mirror report states that Marseille rate the 22-year-old at more than £15 million, meaning, just like Steve McClaren's pursuit of the QPR forward, the clubs still have some way to go before agreeing on terms.

One player who may be closer to a move to Tyneside is promising Northampton Town striker Ivan Toney. The Mirror says the 19-year-old is expected to head to St James's Park for £400,000 plus add-ons, after he scored 10 goals in 44 games last season.

The Magpies would be beating several Championship sides to the youngster's signature were they to complete a deal.

Elsewhere, there were was one outgoing on Tuesday as England Under-19 goalkeeper Freddie Woodman headed to Crawley Town on loan until January next year, as per the Crawley Observer.

His dad, Andy Woodman, is also said to be a possible departure from Newcastle, with Alan Pardew eager to bring the goalkeeping coach to Crystal Palace after five years at St James's Park, according to the Shields Gazette.

However, a reluctance for the London side to pay compensation for Woodman could be a problem in the deal, with McClaren said to want to bring in former Derby man Eric Steele into the position once it becomes vacant.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)